U.S. patent application number 11/895736 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-25 for security barrier.
Invention is credited to Robert Burns, Dennis Darling, Paul Hurlburt, Gary Ketner.
Application Number | 20080232901 11/895736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37804330 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080232901 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burns; Robert ; et
al. |
September 25, 2008 |
Security barrier
Abstract
An apparatus and method for installing and deploying a barrier
utilizing one or more gas generators. The invention includes a
barrier component installed beneath the ground surface or
substantially parallel to the ground and raised by activation of
the gas generator. The device can be trigger automatically without
human intervention and thereby faster deployment of the barrier.
The barrier can include a reactive component. The barrier can
include plurality of telescoping barrier subcomponents.
Inventors: |
Burns; Robert; (The
Villages, FL) ; Darling; Dennis; (Redington Beach,
FL) ; Hurlburt; Paul; (Kennebunk, ME) ;
Ketner; Gary; (Kenmore, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICE OF DAVID MCEWING
P.O. BOX 231324
HOUSTON
TX
77023
US
|
Family ID: |
37804330 |
Appl. No.: |
11/895736 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11399919 |
Apr 7, 2006 |
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11895736 |
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11100673 |
Apr 6, 2005 |
7114874 |
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11399919 |
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10832654 |
Apr 27, 2004 |
7101112 |
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11100673 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
404/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 13/08 20130101;
E01F 13/046 20130101; E01F 13/123 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/6 |
International
Class: |
E01F 13/00 20060101
E01F013/00 |
Claims
1. A barrier comprising: a) at least one first outer structure
having a longitudinal axis of orientation and a first end and a
second end; b) a barrier component comprising a second inner
structure located at least partially within the first structure and
having a top and the same longitudinal axis of orientation as the
first structure and mechanisms to retain and lock the second
structure to the first structure; and c) a gas generator to move
the barrier component along the longitudinal axis of orientation in
a manner that the barrier component extends from the second end of
the first structure.
2. The barrier of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism to
activate the gas generator.
3. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the mechanism activating the gas
generator comprises an RF signal.
4 The barrier of claim 1 wherein the longitudinal orientation of
the extended barrier component is at least 45 degrees to the plane
of the ground level.
5. The barrier of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the barrier
system is located below the ground surface level.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a second Divisional Application of Ser.
No. 11/399,919, which is a Continuation Application of and claims
priority to U.S. Utility Application 11/100,673 filed Apr. 4, 2005,
which in turn is a Continuation in Part application claiming
priority to and incorporating by reference application Ser. No.
10/832,654 entitled Security Bollard filed Apr. 27, 2004.
Applications Ser. Nos. 11/399,919 and 10/832,654 are incorporated
by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Use
[0003] The invention pertains to a high strength impact resistant
and rapidly deployable security barrier for the protection of
persons and property from objects such as trucks and cars traveling
at ground surface level.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] Vehicle and traffic barricades are well known and are in
wide use for building and personnel security applications. These
systems can be permanent or temporary. The barricades can be
stationary or mobile with relatively rapid deployment for
raising/lowering. The barricades can be wall like sections
providing a resistive mass of reinforced concrete or hollow
resinous plastic structures filled with water. Other types of
traffic or vehicle control barriers are bollards that are fixed in
position or that can be raised and lowered from the ground surface
level.
[0006] Bollards have been shown to be capable of incapacitating or
stopping vehicles up to 7.5 tons GVW moving at speeds of 50 mph.
The current raisable bollard systems have deficiencies that have
been demonstrated based on current world events and terrorism
threats. These deficiencies are related to their dependency on
human interaction to deploy the barrier of the bollard system, they
are slow to activate, provide inadequate capabilities to prevent
intrusion, and they are dependent on electric power or air systems
which can be compromised by threats. The mechanism used to power
the raising and lowering can be springs, hydraulics, motors or gas
cylinders. However, existing bollards or barriers that are raised
to selectively block or control vehicle movement require either
human intervention that retards deployment time, thereby
diminishing effectiveness, or do not have sufficient mass to
effectively block a large or heavy vehicle. Other bollard/barrier
devices require installation beneath the ground surface level and
separately powered control and motor mechanisms to raise (deploy)
the barrier.
[0007] There is accordingly a need for a rapidly deployable barrier
system having sufficient capability to provide an effective barrier
to heavy motor vehicles. There is also a need for a non-obtrusive
barrier protective system than can be easily and quickly installed
and removed.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for
erecting protective barriers/bollards utilizing a gas generation
system (gas generator) to power the raising of the barrier
structure to block the passage of a vehicle. The gas generator can
be activated by a variety of means and independent of human
intervention. The energy supplied by the gas generator allows
deployment of the barrier from a stored to protective position at a
speed significantly greater than achieved by existing methods. This
allows the activation device to be placed close to the barrier,
thereby permitting use of an automated barrier protective system in
relatively confined spaces with minimized instances of unintended
or unnecessary activation.
[0009] The gas generator power source also permits a variety of
mechanical mechanisms for raising the barrier from a stored to
protective position. The barrier can be raised in a relatively
straight direction substantially normal to the plane of the ground
surface. The barrier can also be raised from a stored position
relatively parallel to the plane of the ground surface level to a
position normal to the plane.
[0010] The activation of the barrier component of the barrier
system can be achieved by a variety of means. One method would be
activation occurring in response to the wheels of a motor vehicle
passing over a pressure sensitive triggering mechanism. It will be
readily appreciated that the pressure sensitivity can be adjusted
to distinguish between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian.
[0011] The activation of the barrier system may also be a motion
detector, or a magnetic, strain, chemical, infra-red or radiation
sensor. A remote sensor can signal activation by RF signal,
requiring little power. The power source may be batteries or
similar independent means, thereby minimizing deactivation of the
protective system by power failure or sabotage.
[0012] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
rapidly deployable barrier.
[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide a barrier
system that has a minimal visual impact to the protected structure
or for protective surveillance.
[0014] It is a further object of the invention to provide a barrier
that can be activated without human intervention.
[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide a barrier
that can be quickly installed and removed
[0016] It is another object of the invention that the protective
barrier can be portable and installed with minimal site
preparation.
[0017] It is another object of the invention to provide a
protective barrier system without preparation or intrusion beneath
the ground surface level.
[0018] It is also an object of the invention to provide a
protective system that is operational/activation energy
self-contained.
[0019] Other benefits of the invention will also become apparent to
those skilled in the art and such advantages and benefits are
included within the scope of this invention.
SUMMARY OF DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate preferred
embodiments of the invention. These drawings, together with the
general description of the invention given above and the detailed
description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross sectional view of one embodiment
of the invention comprising an outer cylinder and an inner
piston-like cylinder installed substantially below the ground
surface.
[0022] FIG. 1A is a schematic of the embodiment after deployment of
the inner cylinder, comprising the barrier component, into a
protective position above the ground surface level.
[0023] FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B illustrate guides utilized in one
embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a barrier system comprising telescoping
cylinders.
[0025] FIG. 3A illustrates a barrier system deployed after a
triggering event.
[0026] FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment utilizing a plurality of
telescoping barrier sections with a structural support.
[0027] FIG. 4 depicts an additional embodiment of the invention
wherein the gas generator and barrier are installed in a position
parallel to the ground and normal to the deployed position.
[0028] FIG. 4A is an illustration of a barrier base locking
component mechanism.
[0029] FIGS. 4C and 4D are schematic illustrations of the
risible/deployed barrier component of the barrier system.
[0030] FIG. 4E is a schematic illustration of the coupling
mechanism of the barrier stability structure component and
structural member component.
[0031] FIG. 4F is a schematic side view depiction of one embodiment
of the invention in a stored position.
[0032] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D are illustrations of a wall-like
barrier structure utilizing multiple gas generators.
[0033] FIGS. 8, 8A and 8B are illustrations of a portable and
rapidly installed system.
[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the invention
incorporating means to add mass to the system.
[0035] FIGS. 10 and 10A illustrate the installation and deployment
of one embodiment of the invention in relationship to an
approaching vehicle.
[0036] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of FIG.
11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0038] The above general description and the following detailed
description are merely illustrative of the subject invention and
additional modes, advantages and particulars of this invention will
be readily suggested to those skilled in the art without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. The requirements for
the barrier system will vary based on the intended application.
These variations are related to the denial requirements, the type
of installation (permanent or temporary), location of the system,
and the type of asset to be protected.
[0039] The invention proposed consists of an autonomous or
automatic barrier or barrier restraint system, including automatic
trigger sensors, communication devices to deploy the barrier
component of the systems, automatic sensors to detect or activate
the system, and an independent, self contained power supply to
provide monitoring, activation, or alarm.
[0040] Deployment of the barrier component, regardless of the
specific configuration of the barrier system, e.g., bollard, gate
or wall-like sectional barrier, will be carried out by a gas
generator. The gas generator will be integral to the system and be
capable of deploying a barrier which is capable of stopping a 15000
lb gross vehicle weight (GVW) vehicle and which deploys the barrier
in 150 milli-seconds or less. This is nominally 10 times faster
deployment than the fastest barrier currently available and the
proposed system does not depend on any human interaction which
requires significant additional time. What this means is that a
vehicle moving at 50 mph will travel 110 ft in 1.5 seconds. The
proposed invention will permit 11 feet or less of travel at 50 mph
from the time the barrier is activated until the vehicle is
stopped. Add to the conventional system the time required for
personnel to activate it and this would require detection of the
threat and activation of the restraint system nominally 100's of
feet before the vehicle reaches the barrier.
[0041] The gas generator will be integral to the barrier system.
The gas generator will contain solid propellant that upon
combustion creates heated gas to rapidly expand within a cylinder
that raises the barrier component into its operating position. A
mechanical mechanism will lock the barrier component into place.
The propellant is ignited by a device termed a squib or igniter.
The squib receives an electric signal from the integral power
supply. This electrical signal may be activated manually or
automatically depending on selection of how the barrier system is
configured. The receipt of the signal to activate the squibs is
received via radio frequency (RF) which can be encrypted as
necessary for security reasons. The RF can also be sent by
detectors that can detect motion, magnetic field, radiation, mass,
chemicals or explosives. The receipt of the signal to activate the
squibs may be hard wired or received via a wireless mode including
but not limited to radio frequency (RF), microwave, satellite,
cellular telephone or Bluetooth.RTM. signals. (Bluetooth is a
registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc.)
[0042] As an alternative to the gas generator, the barrier system
could also be deployed through of a stored high-pressure gas or
mechanical energy storage devices such as springs. Activation of
the device would occur through an electro-mechanical switching
device that will release the stored gas or the compressed springs.
These devices will be slower to provide deployment than a gas
generator and these types of devices will result in increase weight
and maintenance requirements. The alternate systems do not utilize
ordnance, however, the gas generator technology is very mature and
they are commonly used in automobiles, aircraft evacuation slides
and munitions dispensing.
[0043] The deployed barrier can also include a reactive component
such as a gas generator powered air bag or separate explosive
charge such as a directionally oriented shaped charge.
[0044] The drawings contained within this specification illustrate
various embodiments of the invention. In addition to the
traditional bollard (e.g. a typically round structure that
protrudes above the ground level), this invention also includes a
rapidly deployable barrier that is activated using both a gas
generator and an automatic or manual deployment device as described
previously. This system, called a "Toggle Retractable Barrier
System" can be permanently installed on a roadway or other ground
level surface or in a shallow recess. The "Toggle" system is held
in a horizontal position until deployed. Referring to the models
below, the structural member (or stability member) serves as a
cover for the system and protects the deployment mechanism until
activated. Upon activation, the pressure resulting from the gas
generator drives a cylinder which raises the stability member (or
barrier) into an upright position. The locking mechanism shown in
the model locks the stability member into position. This design is
very flexible in that it is portable and may be configured to
accommodate multiple barriers in series or parallel. A benefit of
this design is that the barrier takes advantage of the vehicle mass
in anchoring the system to the ground. These system designs may be
deployed individually in a pattern or all simultaneously depending
on the instructions provided to its communication component.
[0045] The barrier system is comprised of several components. The
system is comprised of the deployable barrier and a gas generator.
The components of the embodiment particularly described in this
disclosure may include a housing (which may comprise a cylinder), a
barrier (which may be comprised of a piston or second cylinder), a
gas generator, a locking mechanism, and an activation system.
[0046] The components may be stored and transported within a
housing component which, when installed, may form part of the
barrier system structure. Alternatively, some components may be
separately stored and assembled together at the installation site.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the components may be
disassembled and relocated to a separate installation site as
needed.
[0047] The system subject of this invention may also be constructed
of various materials having high compression, shear and tensile
strengths. Although these materials include metals, particularly
ferrous metals, fiber reinforced composite materials may be used,
particularly where light weight is desired. Such designs may be
combined with components allowing weight to be added to the system
after placement in the selected location.
[0048] The end uses of this invention are to protect vital assets
and personnel from terrorist acts. A barrier system is applicable
to embassies, power plants fuel storage depots, military and
industrial installations, traffic control, and critical industrial
facilities.
[0049] The subject invention will utilize the same technology in
terms of stopping the vehicle but will perform this function
with/without human intervention. In other words, the bollard system
can be made autonomous with its own sensors and triggering system.
Where human intervention activates the bollard or barrier system,
the response is rapid (less than 150 milliseconds), thus allowing
an operator a last second decision to stop a threat with as little
time as 12 feet from the penetration point of the asset being
protected.
[0050] The invention consists of using a rapidly deployable barrier
system activated by a gas generator. The activation of the gas
generator is not dependent on any external support such as
electricity or air pressure and is activated by RF signal. The RF
signal can be activated by numerous different sensors that detect
movement, proximity, light curtains, acoustic, pressure plate,
infrared, vision system, chemical detectors, explosive detectors,
magnetic or radiation detectors. A key advantage of the RF command
link is the ability to configure the system allowing the user to
use or not use its variability to detect and activate. Various
sensor systems allow the user to configure the activation of the
barrier. For example, if the system is configured in an automatic
mode, an underground magnetic detector could arm the system. A
second sensor, such as motion or speed sensor, could trigger the
system when detecting the threat will not stop.
[0051] The barrier system may contain its own power through
rechargeable power that can incorporate solar cell technology
supply. It will be appreciated that the main power source is the
stored energy of the gas generator. The proposed invention may also
have the ability to monitor its status. Therefore, in the event of
power failure, the barrier system continues to function and is not
compromised. Other systems depend on electric, hydraulic or air to
activate their systems. These are all dependent on electric
power.
[0052] The barrier component may include a separate gas generator
powered air bag or directed gas stream. The barrier may include
another type explosive charge. The explosive charge may be a shaped
charge. A barrier of the type described in this paragraph will be
referred to as a reactive barrier.
[0053] The barrier component is elevated from the stored position
to the deployed position by movement of a piston powered by energy
from the gas generator. The force of the rapidly expanding gas from
the gas generator may push a piston within a cylinder and extend
the piston out of the cylinder. This piston may comprise the
barrier. The gas generator is preferably located within the
cylinder. It will be appreciated that there may be alternate
configurations to the cylinder and piston assembly. For example,
the components may comprise two or more cylinders with two
cylinders having a closed end and an open end. See for example FIG.
1.
[0054] The barrier system may utilize the weight of the object,
i.e., vehicle, to anchor the system into position and to transfer
the load to the ground. See FIGS. 10 and 10A herein. As discussed
further herein, the barrier depicted in FIGS. 10 and 10A may
comprises a plurality of nested cylinders.
[0055] The deployment of the barrier is powered by the activation
of the gas generator solid propellant. The generator may be a steel
canister (nominally 1-2'' diameter and 3-4'' long). Inside this
canister is a small amount of propellant. The propellant may be
ball shot, i.e., basically the same powder found in a shot gun
shell. Other propellants are known and may also be used. For
example, the gas may be generated by the pyrolytic reaction of
sodium azide (NaN.sub.3) with potassium nitrate (KNO.sub.3). The
gas generator may have a nozzle that releases the pyrolysis gases
at a controlled rate. The gas generator may deploy the barrier in
less than 150 milliseconds.
[0056] The propellant may be activated by ignition by a squib or
igniter. The squib may look basically like a paper match. It may be
coated with an accelerator/propellant that ignites very hot and
fast. If one is set off it sounds like a firecracker. The squib may
be ignited by the application of electrical current. The speed at
which it ignites is based on the amperage applied. Squibs are
typically identified as "5 amp all fire." What this means is that
if the squib is energized by a 5 amp current, it will fire at its
highest rated speed. If the amperage is lower, it takes slightly
longer to fire but it still ignites in a very short time.
Typically, if the energy is less than 1 amp, the squib will not
fire (this is for safety and stray currents created by static
etc.). The amount of propellant in the gas generator can be varied
depending on the object to be moved with the energy. In the
embodiment illustrated by FIG. 11, nominally 70 grams may be
used.
[0057] The expanding gases drive the piston (or cylinder) within a
first cylinder, which raises the barrier component into its
deployed position. In the preferred embodiment, once raised, there
is a lock which holds the barrier component in position. The locks
are basically mechanical where it "snaps" into position and holds
the barrier (not shown).
[0058] A battery may be the source of the power for activating the
squib and hence the gas generator. Once power is sent, the gas
generator is ignited by the squib. It will be appreciated that the
signal triggering the battery powered circuit can transmitted by RF
signal and be activated by numerous types of sensors. In other
words, the sensor may detect a threat; send the signal via RF or
other means to the control box. This small amount of energy would
be used to activate a switch that would send the current to the
squib. The power for the squib would be part of the barrier system
and could be a battery or capacitor. The energy required to set off
the squib can be adjustable to prevent false signal from setting
off the activation switch.
[0059] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of one embodiment
of the invention 800 installed substantially below the ground
surface level 105 and within the ground 100. The top covering 275
of the barrier is approximately level with the ground surface 105
so as not to impede the passage of vehicles or pedestrians. The
system also does not impede viewing the object being protected nor
does in impede the vision of approach area for surveillance. The
barrier 800 is oriented along an axis 270 substantially normal to
the ground surface plane 105. The components of the barrier include
an outer cylinder 200 and inner cylinder 250. The inner cylinder is
elsewhere referred to as the barrier component, i.e., the component
obstructing the moving vehicle. The outer cylinder is closed at the
bottom 203. The inner cylinder is closed at the top 275. A gas
generator 300 is located within the inner cylinder 250. Detection
and activation mechanisms of the barrier are not shown. The inner
and outer cylinders 250 200 have offsetting protruding
sub-components 251 211 which prevent the bottom of the inner
cylinder from moving past the top of the outer cylinder. There may
also be seals or rings (not shown) installed between the first and
second cylinder to contain the expansive gas, thereby directing the
energy to the movement of the second cylinder (barrier
component).
[0060] FIG. 1A illustrates the barrier system 800 after ignition of
the gas generator 300. The ignition of the gas generator results in
a very rapid expanding gas force within the inner cylinder 250. The
gas expands in all directions as represented by the vector arrows
680. The direction of the force can be controlled by a nozzle. The
expansive gas force is retained by the rigid top and side walls of
the inner cylinder 250 but presses downward 615 on the bottom 203
of the outer cylinder 200, thereby causing the inner cylinder 250
to move upward 610 in a piston-like manner along the center axis
270 in relation to the outer cylinder. The inner cylinder thereby
is explosively pushed above the plane of the ground surface 105,
while the outer cylinder remains anchored in the ground 100. The
movement of the inner cylinder is controlled by the complementary
protrusions 211 251 or retaining rings of the outer and inner
cylinders.
[0061] FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B illustrate an embodiment of the invention
utilizing piston or cylinder guides 215 and 216 within the walls of
the outer cylinder 200 and inner cylinder 250. Also illustrated in
FIG. 2 are the retaining rings or ridges 211, 251. For clarity of
illustration, the inner and outer cylinders are shown
independently, but it will be appreciated that they are installed
together in relation to the center longitudinal axis 270. FIG. 2A
illustrates a downward cross sectional view of the outer cylinder
200, showing the placement of grooves 215 longitudinally installed
in the wall of the outer cylinder. Also illustrated is the cylinder
bottom surface 203. FIG. 2B illustrates a downward cross sectional
view of the inner cylinder 250, including the complementary
protrusions 216 on the outer wall of the inner cylinder. The
relationship of the cylinder guides to the center axis 270 is also
illustrated. It will be appreciated that the number of guides may
be varied. The groove guides may be installed in the outer surface
of the inner cylinder 250 with counter part and complementary
protrusions installed in the inner wall surface of the outer
cylinder 200. The piston or cylinder guides minimize the
possibility of the inner cylinder becoming cocked or jammed within
the outer cylinder in a direction non-parallel to the center axis
270 when moving in response to the sudden and powerful force of the
expanding gas. The jamming could prevent the inner cylinder
extending to the full permissible direction above the ground
surface (not shown).
[0062] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the invention that
permits a barrier to be deployed without installation of components
below the ground surface. The barrier illustrated comprises three
nested cylindrical components 200, 251, 252 having a common
longitudinal axis of orientation 270. It will be understood that
the axis of orientation 270 is substantially orthogonal to the
plane of the ground surface (not shown). It will be appreciated
that the number of nesting cylinder components can vary. The height
of the system 660 is increased when the multiple nested cylinders
are triggered and deployed upward by operation of the gas cylinder
(not shown) in the direction indicated by vector arrow 610.
[0063] FIG. 3A illustrates a similar embodiment having 4 nested
cylindrical components 200, 251, 252, 253 having a common
longitudinal axis of orientation 270. This embodiment illustrates
the cylinders deployed upward (vector arrow 610) in response to a
triggering event. When deployed the height of the effective barrier
increases from the height 660 of the single cylinder 200 to the
combined deployed height 660+661+662+662 of the four cylinders 200,
251, 252, 253. It will be appreciated that the effective height
661, 662, 663 contributed by the upper nesting cylinders will be
less due to the requirement that there be a locking mechanism (not
shown) securing each cylinder from vertical and lateral forces. The
locking or security mechanisms prevent the cylinders of the barrier
component from separating or collapsing after the gas cylinder
discharges. These mechanisms may include, but are not limited to
springs or cam activated pins or ratchets.
[0064] FIG. 3B illustrates another embodiment incorporating the
telescoping action of nested cylinders 200, 251, 252 combined with
a structural support member 500 providing added lateral strength
(vector arrow 675). Again, the telescoping cylinder components are
deployed upward (vector arrow 610) along a shared common
longitudinal axis 270 that is substantially orthogonal to the plane
of the ground surface (not shown). The structural support member
500 is hingeably attached 510 to a component of the upper/inner
nested cylinder 252 and hingeably attached to a connecting
component 815.
[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the invention 800
wherein the gas generator (not shown) within a first cylinder 300
propels an inner second cylinder or piston 307 in a direction 670
substantially parallel to the ground surface 105. Movement in the
opposing direction is prevented by the closed first end 301 secured
by attachment mechanism 309 to a base component 810. In an
alternate embodiment (not shown), the gas generator may be directly
attached to the housing or attachment component (and without
containment within a first and second cylinder configuration) and
used alone to power the extension of a piston connected to the
barrier component. The barrier component 290 is contained within
the base component 810 placed on top of the ground 100. The piston
is pivotally attached by means of a hinge or pivot device to the
bottom segment 298 of the stability member 290. The movement of the
piston in direction 670 causes the stability member to be pushed
and locked 299 upright in direction 610, being substantially normal
to the ground surface 105. It will be understood that prior to
activation by the ignition of the gas generator 300, the stability
member 290 is stored in a substantially horizontal position within
the base 810. The upper portion 292 of the stability member is
hingeably attached 510 to a reinforcing structural member 500. The
structure member provides reinforcing strength against collapse by
a moving object such as a heavy motor vehicle traveling in
direction 675.
[0066] FIG. 4A illustrates a component 299 of the invention
utilized to lock the bottom portion (not shown but being item 298
in FIG. 4) of the barrier component into place within the barrier
base structure (also not shown). The bottom portion of the barrier
component attached proximate to the piston is moved in the
direction 670 in response to the activation of the gas generator.
The barrier component is pushed into a space 400 past the locking
sub-component mechanisms 262, 263. The locking sub-components are
pivotally moveable (vector arrows 688, 689 on axes 281, 282) on
pivot sub-components 272, 273. As the barrier component is pushed
past the locking sub-components, the sub-components are pushed into
an annulus 266, 265. A spring or similar mechanical device (not
shown) can be used to push the locking sub-components into the
original position, thereby holding the barrier component in the
annulus. As the barrier component is moved in response to
activation of the gas cylinder in the direction 670, the top
portion of the barrier component 292 may also be deflected upward
610 by a component (not shown).
[0067] FIG. 4C illustrates a side of the barrier component 290. The
bottom portion 298 is attached to the piston (not shown) by
pivotable means 215 and locked into the locking sub-component
contained in the base (not shown). Also illustrated is the axis of
rotation 274. FIG. 4D illustrates a frontal view of the stability
structure 290 and also showing the axis of rotation 274 for the
bottom segment and the axis of rotation 553 of the upper component
292 with the reinforcing structure (not shown). It will be
appreciated that the longitudinal axis 272 is rotated from a
substantially horizontal position relative to the base to a
vertical position relative the ground surface (not shown).
[0068] The locking component 299 can be in conjunction with a
component (not shown) to divert the upper section 292 of the
barrier component (stability member) 290 toward a vertical
position.
[0069] FIG. 4E illustrates the relationship of the stability
structure 290 with the pivotally attached 510 structural member end
500. The other components illustrated in FIG. 4D are also
illustrated in 4E.
[0070] FIG. 4F is a schematic illustration of the structural member
500, barrier stability member 290, locking mechanism 299, gas
generator 300 and piston 307 as they would exist in a stored
position prior to activation and along an axis 270. It will be
appreciated that the structural member 500 may fit over the other
components within the base unit 290. Other components illustrated
are the pivot end of the barrier 292 (understood to be actually
connected to the structural member 500, the rotatable bottom
sub-component 298 attached to the piston by means hingeable means
315 (vector arrow 687), and the gas generator attachment means 309.
Also illustrated by vector arrow 670 is the direction of movement
of the piston 307 powered by the gas generator 300. A vector arrow
610 illustrates the direction of movement of the barrier stability
member end 292 raised from the base. A vector arrow 675 illustrates
the direction of the object to be stopped by the invention.
[0071] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D illustrate an embodiment wherein the
barrier component 290 is propelled into a deployed position by
multiple gas generators or gas generator/cylinder combinations 307.
FIG. 5A illustrates a front perspective of 3 cylinders 300 oriented
horizontally within the housing 810 and substantially normal to the
broad, wall-like barrier 290. This horizontal orientation is also
illustrated in FIG. 5B, being a side view schematic, including the
barrier component 290, housing 810 and cylinder 300. FIG. 5B also
illustrates the piston component 307 that, depending upon the
configuration, may be the second inner cylinder. Also illustrated
is the locking mechanism 299, the pivot mechanism 510, and the
structural support mechanism 500. FIGS. 5C and 5D are more detailed
side schematics of the housing 810 with the raisable barrier
component 290, locking mechanism 299, gas generator/first cylinder
300 and piston/second cylinder 307. The direction of movement of
the piston component 307 upon activation of the gas generator is
shown by vector arrow 670. The change in orientation of the barrier
component is illustrated by the arrow 29A, 29B marking the side of
the barrier component 290. This embodiment utilizing multiple gas
generators allows a heavier or broader (wall like) barrier
component to be deployed.
[0072] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the barrier system
800 wherein the sensor mechanism 320 is a flexible pressure
responsive device that can be placed on the ground surface at a
varying distance and geometry relative to the housing 810
containing the barrier. The sensor is utilized to trigger
activation of the gas generator within the housing, 810 for
deployment of the barrier component (not shown).
[0073] FIGS. 8, 8A and 8B further illustrate a portable, rapidly
deployable embodiment of the invention that does not require
installation below the ground surface. The barrier mechanism can be
either the stability member and structural support powered by a gas
cylinder, or the telescoping nested cylinders, also triggered by a
gas cylinder. In the embodiment illustrated, the barrier structure
is contained in one section 810 of a multi-section 810, 811 system
hingeably attached 410. The multiple sections can be deployed
utilizing the hinge component 410. Also attached may be one or more
ramp plates 820 hingeably 411 attached to a component section 810,
811. FIG. 8A illustrates components 275, 500 of the barrier system
within one section 810. FIG. 8B illustrates the installed system on
the ground surface (not shown), comprising the ramp plates, 820
attached to the sections 811, 810, a pressure sensor 320 to trigger
the barrier components 275, 500 and the connecting hinges 410, 411.
Note that the pressure sensor is placed in a location to be
triggered by a vehicle (not shown) passing over the sensor in the
direction of vector arrow 675. (Reference is made to FIGS. 10 and
10A.)
[0074] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment wherein the housing
component 810 can contain holding compartments 850 for placement of
additional mass such as sand or earth shoveled from the ground
proximate to the area where the housing is placed, or water or
other fluid. FIG. 9 illustrates openings 852 in each compartment
and drain openings 855. It will be appreciated that other
configurations are possible and that the drains will have control
values or plugs and that the fill holes may have covers. Also
illustrated is the approximate location of the barrier component
290 within the housing and the covering/support structure 500. This
will allow the invention to be of minimized weight for transport
and installation, yet readily supplemented with additional and
removable mass to fix the barrier system at the selected location
on the ground surface. As illustrated in FIG. 10 discussed below,
the mass of the object to be stopped by the system may also be used
for this purpose.
[0075] FIG. 10 illustrates a vehicle 900 approaching an embodiment
of the invention device 800 in the direction of shown by a vector
arrow 675. The vehicle is travelling across the ground surface 105
and the invention is installed on the ground, in contrast to being
buried in the ground 100. There is a mass-pressure sensitive
triggering mechanism 820 in the in the front portion of the barrier
housing
[0076] FIG. 10A illustrates the barrier 800 activated by the
vehicle striking the pressure sensor device 320. The weight of the
vehicle 900 assists in anchoring the barrier in place and allowing
the stability structure 290 to stop the vehicle. Also illustrated
is the reinforcing structural support 500.
[0077] FIG. 11 illustrates the components of another embodiment of
the invention in a deployed position. (When stored, the components
lie flat within the housing.) The barrier system 420 consists of a
housing component 430, one or more housing support beams 431, a
barrier swing arm 450 having a first end 452 and a second end 454,
a barrier component 440 pivotally attached to a back end 432 of the
housing or housing/cylinder connector (not shown), a gas generator
comprising a solid and ignitable propellant, a piston rod 460 and
cylinder 465, an igniter, a control system tether/support 470 to
control the height of the barrier component 440 deployment and
support the impacting structural members and an optional anchoring
system. The barrier component 440 may include a subcomponent 441.
This subcomponent may include an explosive charge or other active
device, thereby constituting a reactive barrier.
[0078] FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the deployed barrier
system 420 and the barrier component 440. The direction of movement
of the barrier component in deployment is illustrated by the vector
arrow 975. The direction of the load is illustrated by the vector
arrow 980.
[0079] This specification is to be construed as illustrative only
and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the
manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that
the forms of the invention herein shown and described are to be
taken as the presently preferred embodiments. As already stated,
various changes may be made in the shape, size and arrangement of
components or adjustments made in the steps of the method without
departing from the scope of this invention. For example, equivalent
elements may be substituted for those illustrated and described
herein and certain features of the invention may be utilized
independently of the use of other features, all as would be
apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this
description of the invention.
[0080] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of this
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of
this specification.
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